Neil Newbon recently sat down with Temple of Geek to discuss his diverse experiences in the entertainment industry. He spoke about his work on a variety of projects, including Fallout London, GreedFall II, and DI4D’s PURE4D 2.0 update. Furthermore, Newbon discussed his role as an ambassador for DI4D, a company that develops motion capture technology.
Interview with Neil Newbon
Best known for his portrayal of Astarion in the popular game Baldur’s Gate 3, Newbon has also contributed his talents to Fallout: London and the upcoming game Greedfall 2: The Dying World. In addition to his acting roles, Newbon is a passionate advocate for fair compensation and support for actors within the industry. He firmly believes that actors should be fairly compensated for their work and that buyouts should be utilized to provide support during challenging times.
He highlighted the need for fair compensation and support for actors in the industry, stating that “actors notoriously are unemployed. Most of the time we work 5 or 6 different jobs just to make ends meet.”
Newbon emphasized that motion capture performance should be treated with the same respect as likeness and voice work, stating that “performance, obviously movement is performance, too, and it should be treated in the same way that likeness and also voice work is also treated, which is a buyout for usage.”
He further explained that buyouts can provide much-needed financial support for actors, especially during periods of unemployment. “When we do get a gig, you know, we’re taken out of everything that we can do. We may even lose our part-time jobs because we have to just suddenly stop working.”
Newbon also revealed that he has been actively working to promote this idea within the industry, stating that he is “the first performer in the world” to have a mocap data only buyout in a contract. He hopes that this will set a precedent for future contracts and help to ensure that actors are fairly compensated for their work.
The Rise of Motion Capture and the Need for Practical Training
Motion capture technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in video games and animation. However, this technology is still relatively new, and many actors lack the opportunity to train in it before landing a job. Neil Newbon, recognizing this gap, has been actively working to address this issue through his Performance Capture Academy.
Newbon emphasizes the crucial role of practical training in motion capture. He believes there is simply no substitute for the physical experience of donning a motion capture suit and performing in a dedicated studio. To this end, his academy offers practical workshops where actors can gain this invaluable experience.
Neil Newbon on Making Training Accessible
Newbon’s workshops are designed to be accessible to actors of all levels. From seasoned professionals to those just starting out in motion capture. Importantly, the academy operates as a non-profit organization, and the workshops are priced to be affordable. Newbon is committed to ensuring that cost does not become an obstacle for actors who want to train in motion capture.
Newbon has observed that motion capture training provides numerous benefits for actors. Firstly, it helps demystify the technology. Secondly, it reduces insecurity and allows actors to feel more comfortable on set. Ultimately, this can lead to improved performance and increased job opportunities.
Newbon also stresses the importance of continued learning in the ever-evolving field of motion capture. He encourages actors to remain open to new experiences and skill sets. This ongoing development can help them stay current and continually refine their craft.
Newbon’s work with motion capture actors highlights the growing significance of this technology in the entertainment industry. It underscores the need for accessible and practical training opportunities. His dedication to supporting actors and promoting continued learning is invaluable in this rapidly changing landscape of practical training and continued learning in this field. His insights and efforts are valuable contributions to the motion capture community.
